POTENTIAL OF CHAMPIGNONS CULTIVATED ON DIGESTED ORGANIC WASTE IN THE PREVENTION AGAINST OXIDATIVE STRESS AND NEURAL DAMAGE

Agaricus bisporus also known as champignon or white button mushroom was cultivated on digested organic waste. Its aqueous extract was investigated for the antioxidant potential, which could strengthen the protection of organism against oxidative stress damages. Likewise, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity was observed. The crucial role of AChE in neural transmission makes it a primary target of a large number of cholinesterase-inhibiting drugs involved in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases e.g. Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The antioxidant activities were evaluated by in vitro models including, 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, prevention of lipid peroxidation (LPx) in a linoleic acid model system and chelating ability on ferrous ions. Based on the analysis, hot water extracts showed a typical carbohydrate pattern with the presence of polyphenols and small amounts of proteins. With regard to scavenging ability on DPPH radicals, the EC50 value for A. bisporus was 0.89 mg/ml, the EC50 value of the chelating abilities on ferrous ions was 1.38 mg/ml and for inhibition of LPx EC50 value was found to be 1.77 mg/ml. Extract of A. bisporus had a noticeable inhibition towards AChE, IC50=1.02 mg/ml and exerted weak toxicity against healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). More than 60% of cell viability was observed at 2 mg/ml. The good antioxidative properties and AChE inhibitory activity of A. bisporus aqueous extract make it suitable for everyday use as an inexpensive dietary supplement

Opportunities for Volunteered Geographic Information Use in Spatial Planning

This chapter highlights two types of georeferenced User-Generated Content (geo-UGC) that show considerable potential for fruitful usage in spatial planning in practice: Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and Social Media Geographic Information (SMGI). By describing selected case studies, the chapter illustrates how geo-UGC can be used at different stages of spatial planning processes, supporting a more pluralist understanding of places, fostering the collaboration between decision-makers and contributing to a more participatory practice in spatial planning. The Geodesign approach is used as the framework for underpinning the discussion. Selected case studies developed by the authors are presented showing how geo-UGC can be beneficial for building knowledge on current urban and territorial dynamics, for identifying possible alternative futures and for finding agreement on preferable future developments. In all the selected cases, large numbers of users were involved in collecting volunteered content. The findings are also interpreted within the Smart Cities paradigm, where participation is an essential factor for building successful smart communities